KES was started in 1902 in a vacant cigar factory on the corner of Gold and Kerk Streets under the name, Johannesburg High School for Boys. It was established in 1902 as the first Government high school for boys in Johannesburg. It has since changed premises twice and undergone two name changes; firstly when it moved to Barnato Park in 1904 and was named Johannesburg College; and secondly, when it moved to its current location in Houghton in 1911 and changed its name to honour the memory of the eldest son of England Queen Victoria who died the previous year – and King Edward VII School in remained.
The school is now inclusive of learners from all race groups, and the fact that languages such as Zulu are offered as subjects suggests an ethos which is truly representative and inclusive. But KES representative, Tobby Craig, says many of the traditions and cultural practises of the school have remained unchanged. The school holds a memorial service each year in memory of “old boys” who died during the First and Second World Wars.
But most importantly, “we still maintain a high standard of behaviour and appearance,” Craig says. “The school also holds a high standard academically.”
In 2001, a matric pass rate of 98% was attained as well as 78% university exemption. Twenty-six pupils achieved a First Class pass, while three matriculants achieved five distinctions and more.
The boys have access facilities such as a media centre that has a wide range of audio-visual apparatus, and a computer centre which houses 36 personal computers, giving them access to e-mail and internet facilities. Both the Memorial Library and the media centre were founded by donations from old boys and parents. The school also runs a Student Support Programme (SSP) to assist needy learners in a form of scholarships and bursaries for both high school and higher education.
Subsidy cuts from the Department of Education in recent years motivated KES to establish a trust fund to pay the salaries of about 20 additional staff members. The subsidy cuts mainly affected the 218 learners who board at KES: “The boarding fees were increased from R12 000 to R15 000 a year,” says Craig.
The beautiful, clean school grounds with its well-equipped sporting facilities is maintained from a portion of the school fees. KES had a proud reputation for sports, having produced renowned sportsmen such as cricketers Ali Bacher and Adam Bacher, golfer Garry Player, G Clark in Hockey and J Van Niekerkin rugby. “We have an extensive sporting programme and with the active assistance of our staff, we are committed to ensuring that as many pupils as possible participate in the sport of their choice whilst at the same time striving for excellence,” Craig says.
The main summer sports are basketball, cricket, rowing , swimming, table tennis, tennis and waterpolo, while winter sports include athletics, hockey, rugby and squash.
But besides the sporting opportunities, a wealth of cultural activities are available to ensure maximum participation from learners with all kinds of diverse interests. These include the Dramatic Society, Choral Society, History Society, Art Club, Photographic Club, Chess Club, Debating and Public Speaking, Business and Stock Exchange Games, First Aid and the Pipe Band.
Craig says the school is known for excellence and “that is why people want their children to be at the school”. He adds that they were among the first schools to make their resources available to all: “We had black children – although few – from as far back as the 1980’s,” he says.